Is this cause for concern?

Swollen feet can be caused by factors such as overuse, surgery, or pregnancy. Normally it’s temporary and not a cause for concern. However, since it may be uncomfortable and bothersome, you’ll still want to take measures to reduce swelling. This way you can reduce any pain you’re experiencing and resume your daily activities.

If your feet remain swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms, it could be the sign of another health condition. Continue reading to learn how you can reduce swelling in your feet as well as which health conditions it could indicate.

1. Edema

Edema is a common condition where excess fluid is trapped in your body’s tissue. This causes swelling and puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin in your feet, ankles, and legs. It can also affect your hands and arms.

2. Pregnancy

Some foot swelling is extremely common during pregnancy since your body retains more water and produces more blood and body fluids. You may be more prone to swollen feet in the evening and especially after being on your feet all day. It becomes particularly noticeable from the fifth month until the end of your pregnancy.

Sudden or excessive swelling in your hands and face could be a sign of preeclampsia. This is a serious condition where you develop high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It usually happens after the 20th week of pregnancy.

You may also have:

a headache

nausea

vomiting

infrequent urination

difficulty breathing

abdominal pain

vision changes

Contact your doctor right away if you experience sudden swelling, especially if it’s accompanied by these other symptoms.

3. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can lead to swollen feet since your body retains more water after drinking. Usually it will go away within a few days. If the swelling doesn’t subside in this time, it could be cause for concern.

If swelling occurs in your feet frequently when you drink alcohol, it may be a sign of a problem with your liver, heart, or kidneys. This could also be a sign that you’re consuming too much alcohol.

4. Hot weather

Swollen feet frequently occur during hot weather since your veins expand as part of your body’s natural cooling process. Fluids go into nearby tissues as part of this process. However, sometimes your veins aren’t able to bring blood back to the heart. This results in fluid collecting in the ankles and feet. People with circulatory problems are especially prone to this.

7. Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that causes swollen feet due to damaged valves or from standing or sitting for extended periods. This affects blood moving up to your heart from your legs and feet. Blood can collect in the veins of your legs and feet, which leads to swelling.

9. Liver disease

Liver disease can cause foot swelling due to the liver not functioning properly. This leads to excess fluid in your legs and feet, which causes swelling. It can be caused by genetic factors. Viruses, alcohol, and obesity are also linked to liver damage.

11. Infections

Swollen feet may be caused by infections and the accompanying inflammation. People with diabetic neuropathy or other nerve conditions of the feet are more prone to foot infections. Infections can be caused by wounds such as blisters, burns, and insect bites. You may also experience pain, redness, and irritation.

You may be prescribed oral or topical antibiotics to treat the infection.

If your medications are causing swollen feet, it’s important that you see your doctor. Together you can determine if there are other options in terms of medications or dosages. You may be prescribed a diuretic to help reduce excess fluid.

13. Heart failure

Heart failure happens when your heart isn’t able to pump blood correctly. This can cause swollen feet because your blood isn’t flowing up to your heart correctly. If your ankles swell in the evening, it could a sign of right-sided heart failure. This causes salt and water retention.